As we reflect on the year gone by, a assortment of outstanding in-depth pieces stands out. These accounts probe intricate themes from political machinations and historical discoveries to profoundly human journeys.
The Puzzling Writer and the Moral Fabric of a Country
An author became known in the nineties with scathing critiques on autocratic rule. Whereas many of his literary contemporaries have faced suppression or fled the country, he still move vast numbers of books. It prompts a pressing query: Has the author become an supporter for the establishment?
Survival and Complicity in Syria's Horrific Civil War
The story of a young man, who at eighteen was given an ultimatum that his only way out of prison was to join the regime military. Following fourteen years, his history as one of the Syrian leader's soldiers might now get him killed.
The Acrimonious Dispute Over Humanity's Ancient Origins
The discovery of fossilised remains in the Chadian sands in the early 2000s was proclaimed as radically rewriting the narrative of our human race. But, some scholars was in agreement. The resulting intense scholarly debate has taken over the careers of paleoanthropologists ever since.
A UK Religious Group That Operated in the Open
One woman was only a child when her household became part of the a religious community. As an adult, she played a key role in expose the shocking scale of abuse it had committed.
The Leader's Puzzling Stance on International Law
A great many followers anticipated that the former human rights lawyer would restore the Britain's commitment to human rights. However, the record over the past year has been strikingly inconsistent.
Shattering a Nation's Myth
A film featuring a remorseful fraudster as she ensnares unscrupulous individuals with covert recording raises complex questions: Is this person really reformed, and is the filmmaker's true motives?
A Person Who Decontaminates Britain's Darkest Stains
From murder scenes to biological waste, an extreme cleaner has seen – and cleaned – it all. In their darkest moments, families turn to him to restore peace.
Will an Famous Institution Weather an "Omni-Crisis"?
Beset by restitution claims, difficult finances and the discovery of an internal thief, the UK's number one museum is in a major crisis. The question remains: Can it repair its standing?
Beyond "Morning Sickness": A Agony of Severe Pregnancy
Referred to as a severe form of pregnancy sickness and once termed 'pernicious vomiting' by the Victorians, this illness has long been without an effective medical remedy – up until possibly now.
The Ghost of Radicalism in Contemporary Politics
A militant fanatic and early advocate of bigotry, a rabbi died a political outcast thirty-five years ago. Now, his ideas influence the very highest levels of government.
An English Professional With a Fraudulent Secret
With his keen intellect and sterling credentials, it's understandable that wealthy clients entrusted him with their wealth. Until they started to become uneasy.
A Small Nation That Emerged as the Global Mediation Center
An extremely wealthy Gulf state has transformed into a significant actor on the international scene, working to solve some of the most complex conflicts. Which factors are fueling this ambitious endeavor?
A Close-Up Look at a Leader Gearing Up for Global Battle
Deeply disliked at domestically, President Macron relishes the international stage, where he positions himself as the statesman best placed to deal with a particular sitting American leader. Seven years after their previous meeting, a journalist joined him as he readied himself for the fray.
Inside the Trial of a Tragic Case
What led to the child of an aristocrat end up at the a major court with her companion, facing charges with killing their two-week-old baby?
The Dismantling of a Global Aid Agency: Far From Universal Mourning
When actions were made to dismantle a prominent aid agency, many around the world were surprised. But on the ground in Sierra Leone, this most recent betrayal was far from unforeseen.
A Unethical Mid-Century Experiment on Indian Women
When information about a medical experiment in the 1960s came to light, there was immense anxiety. But the exact nature of the events remains somewhat contested.
A "Mozart" of the Online Economy
He's spent a full day in a vat of goo, two days buried alive – and given away huge sums of money to selected contestants. But are these videos simply incredibly clever entertainment – or works of avant garde brilliance?
Life in a Country Threatened by the Encroaching Ocean
With sea levels increasing, much of this Pacific island nation's people is facing the prospect that their homeland may in the near future cease to exist. The critical question is: Where are they supposed to go?
A Sorrowful Case of Childhood Homelessness
As I met Craig he was thirteen and homeless. I still hoped his situation could improve. That hope was devastatingly mistaken.
The Global Artificial Intelligence Race and a Crucial Move
In the recent past, after living half his life in the United States, Song-Chun Zhu took a one-way ticket to his home country. Today, he may hold the answers to who wins the worldwide AI race.
The finest narratives
